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Fulham: west London’s riverside retreat

Live the west London dream in Fulham, where the well-to-do enjoy a salubrious suburban life by the river and have easy access to the heart of the capital.

Fulham: west London’s riverside retreat

Well-heeled Fulham nestles in a bend of the river Thames in west London, though it hasn’t always been so desirable. Once notorious as a hotbed of 18th-century debauchery, its murky past is now a distant memory. Extensive gentrification since the Second World War has transformed Fulham into a coveted area.

Today, you need deep pockets to call this upmarket suburb home, though not as deep as those required in its esteemed neighbor, Chelsea. Fulham boasts all the hallmarks of west London’s plush reputation: leafy surrounds, an exclusive postcode, world-famous restaurants, boutique shops, exclusive social clubs, and grand Victorian and Edwardian housing stock.

Thanks to Fulham’s prime location, residents enjoy a tranquil suburban setting just around the corner from the energy of central London. Whether commuting to work or seeking some retail therapy, you can quickly reach the heart of the capital from one of the area’s four Underground stations.

Transport

  • Tube: Four Underground stations serve the Fulham area: Putney Bridge, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway and West Brompton – all are on the Wimbledon branch of the District line and are in travel zone 2.
  • Overground: There are two Overground stations in the area: West Brompton and Imperial Wharf – both in travel zone 2.

The Fulham Property scene

Fulham’s desirable red brick housing stock comprises a large supply of spacious Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, as well as a few Georgian homes .  In addition some high-end contemporary apartment blocks with spectacular views line the riverbank, notably at Imperial Wharf.

Schools in Fulham

  • Primary schools:
    Langford Primary School is Ofsted-rated “outstanding”
    Most other primary schools in the area are rated “good”
  • Secondary schools: There’s a good selection of Ofsted-rated “outstanding” state comprehensive schools in the area:
    Lady Margaret School (girls, ages 11 to 18)
    London Oratory School (boys, ages seven to 18)
    Fulham Cross Girl’s School (girls, ages 11 to 16)
    Chelsea Academy (co-ed, ages 11 to 18)
  • Private schools: the local preparatory schools are:
    L’Ecole des Petits (co-ed, ages three to six)
    Thomas’s School (co-ed, ages four to 11)
    Kensington Prep School (girls, ages four to 11)
    Parsons Green Prep School (co-ed, ages four to 11)
    The local private all-through school is Fulham School (co-ed, ages four to 16)
    Chelsea Independent College (co-ed, ages 14 plus) is a day and boarding GCSE and A-level college.

Things to do

  • Shops: The area’s shopping hub is clustered around Fulham Broadway, where you’ll find chain stores and restaurants aplenty.
  • Farmers markets: Local farmers’ markets include the Parsons Green Farmers’ Market, and the Bishops Park Farmers’ and also Fine Foods Market each Sunday.
  • Open space: Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green are found off New King’s Road. Riverside Bishops Park houses Fulham Palace which offers children’s playgrounds, a skate park, summer waterplay, an urban beach, tennis courts and a bowling green. Hurlingham Park contains tennis courts, rugby pitches, artificial and grass football pitches and netball courts. South Park is best known for its cricket pitches.
  • Leisure and the arts: A nine-screen Vue multiplex cinema is found in the Fulham Broadway shopping centre. The Lyric theatre is just up the road in Hammersmith and the Finborough Theatre in Earl’s Court. The local council swimming pool is Fulham Pools in Lillie Road, which also has tennis courts as well as a gym.

Rental Prices

If you’d like to find the average cost of renting a property in London, check out The Simply London Guide to London Neighborhoods. It includes the average rental prices for the top 20 neighbourhoods in London!

Article published 29th July 2022

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  • The top 10 best London neighbourhoods for families

For each neighbourhood, you will find:

  • Overview of history and character
  • Average rent prices for 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms (updated every month)
  • Location and transport links
  • Highlights – why do people like to live here?
  • Detailed description including outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants...

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